Disney Magic: Review

Disney is part of my psyche. My Grandad and I saw every Disney film, every summer. We had a ritual; same bus, same lunch, same cinema. He liked routine my Grandad. As a consequence I have a distinct nostalgia for Disney.

My son, Noo, is 4, he doesn’t do cinema. DVD sprawled across the sofa. Yes. His ‘thing’ is Toy Story and Cars.

Last week I took him to see the Disney Magic Show. If I’m honest it was with some trepidation. This is the child who lasted less than 15 minutes at the theatre and won’t sit through a film at the cinema. Not even if I bribe him with Maltesers. Possibly I had set myself up for a fail.

Disney Magic Show Live is touring and we saw it at the Motorpoint area in Sheffield. Mickey and Minnie are the stars of the show along with and magicians Benny and Brad. The cast is familiar Disney characters and scenes from classic Disney, Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland, both of which brought a nostalgic tear to my eye. There is lots of variety in the show; Belle and Jasmine make appearances. Audience participation. There are songs and classic magic tricks. Who doesn’t love seeing someone sawn in half?

The Motorpoint arena is a huge venue and although curtained off it lacked the intimacy that I think makes magic really special. We were seated in tiered seating and the view was good. There was a large gap of empty area between us and the seating in front of the stage and some empty banks of seating. A smaller venue might have fitted better.

Like a lamb to the slaughter I naively walked straight into the merchandise. Had I been prepared I would have employed avoidance tactics. Although much of it is sparkly and twirly and difficult to ignore. I struggled to find anything much below £10 and began the show feeling slightly fleeced. You live and learn.

For me I felt there was a slight emphasis toward Princesses and Noo did lose interest for a bit. That might be a boy thing. That might be a Noo thing. Noo is a tough critic but the magic tricks and opportunities to shout out was enough going on to keep him entertained and in the building for and hour and a half of the show that is a big success. For me it was a wonderful trip down memory lane and confirmed I still know all the words to Bibidi-bobidi-boo.

We received tickets to the show in exchange for a review.
All words and opinions are my own.

Aw Disney brings out lovely memories, always remember Dad taking us to Bambi and the Jungle Book, and my Mum Loved Fantasia, so that section really wowed me. With you on the venue and merchandise. I was reading about Walt Disney, he started from such humble beginnings in a garage, kind of puts arena shows and merchandise in context – but made me feel he deserved the success. Does that make sense?

Oh yes, been there done that re the fleecing. They sure are mean to us parents! How much happier would everyone be if there was just something semi-decent for a fiver?! We tried Disney on Ice last year – my ASD girl (and therefore sadly me) had to leave after 15 minutes because the PA/loudspeaker system was just too much for her, even with defenders, but I have to say my 6 year old (and her dad!) loved it!!